But Thompson is not convinced that either of the 30-something targetmen will be content to play second fiddle during the coming campaign.

And the former Villa striker suspects that one of the experienced pair is likely to leave Villa Park for first-team football in the next few months.

Heskey, 32, started 16 Premier League games last season and eight cup matches with 16 substitute appearances altogether, notching three goals.

Carew, 30, top-scored with 17 after being in the starting line-up 22 times in the league, five in the cups and stepping off the bench on 15 occasions.

Both have attracted interest from rival top-flight clubs this summer with Stoke interested in Heskey and Fulham pursuing Carew.

But Heskey recently hinted he is happy at Villa, while Carew is seeking talks with O’Neill to clarify his future in the next few weeks.

“I can’t honestly see both Emile Heskey and John Carew being at Villa next season,” said Thompson.

“They’re both in their 30s now and when you get to that age you need to be playing games regularly.

“You can see that the end of your career is not that far away so you want to be cramming in as much football as possible.”

Thompson acknowledges that O’Neill can not guarantee either player a permanent place in his first XI. But he believes Heskey and Carew will be seeking assurances that they still have an important part to play at Villa.

“There was talk not long ago that Carew was going to Fulham and Stoke are supposed to be after Heskey,” said Thompson.

“It will be interesting to see whether anybody comes in for them because what one does could affect the other’s decision.

“Heskey will be desperate to have a good season, playing lots of football, to make up for the World Cup disappointment.

“And from what I hear Carew still likes it at Villa so he’ll want to be a part of trying to achieve some success.”

Nicky Shorey is still expected to leave this summer – but the out-of-favour left-back is believed to be holding out for a move to another Premier League club.

Although Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has publicly stated his desire to take Shorey to the Championship outfit, he would prefer to stay in the top flight.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter of Villa’s 38 Premier League fixtures have already been rescheduled.

Seven have been moved for live television coverage on Sky TV and ESPN, while the derbies against Blues have been put back at the request of police.

The re-arranged games, dates, times are reason for changing are as follows: